“Our laws are simply nature’s law,” said Onrai. “In the first place, the laws governing our physical welfare are very strict, for we believe that happiness springs from a strong constitution and a healthy body. Our tables are spread with an abundance of viands, but just so much must be eaten and no more. We have certain hours for work and certain hours for entertainment and recreation; the hours for work are few, because we believe that overwork is injurious to the constitution and this we always try to prevent. Our people are educated in religious laws and language between the ages of seven and twelve.”
“Who are the teachers?” asked Enola.
“We are all teachers,” answered Onrai. “In our temples of learning all above the age of twenty have their days for teaching. This is considered one of the lightest duties, and we arrange the days so that they may come directly after those of the hardest toil.”
“But is it with all other occupations as it is with teaching?” asked Mr. Graham. “Do you not assign certain work to those who are most proficient in that work?”
“We have none who are more proficient in one thing than another,” answered Onrai. “Between the ages of twelve and twenty, our young people devote certain hours each day to the study of trades and professions. They may work for two weeks on a farm, and for the next two weeks study architecture, and so on until they arrive at the age of twenty, when they are as well versed in one thing as in another.”
“But are there no differences in the intellects of the people?” asked Mr. Graham. “Are not some brighter and more clever than others?”
“No,” said Onrai. “Our duties are simple and easily learned, and when we have once mastered them thoroughly, what difference would it make, if, as you say, some should be brighter than others.”
“But,” said Enola, “Do you not have those who go beyond the things taught them and develop new principles and invent new contrivances, which might make their duties less irksome, their labors less arduous?”
“No, we have none such,” said Onrai, “or, if we have, their ideas never take shape or form, for the one great law is to be content with what is taught us. Look about you, see this beautiful country, the grand palaces, the statuary and paintings; could we conceive of more beautiful architecture, or grander statuary, with which to adorn these beautiful palaces? No, I think not. We have certain lines to follow in architecture, certain forms to copy in our statuary, and certain rules to observe in our painting, and these lead to but the one thing, and that is, perfection, which, when once reached cannot be surpassed.”
“Tell us more of the laws,” said Mr. Graham.